Robocop & Alien: Violence in Film
Discussing Two Unforgettable Violent Moments in the Movies
Looking back at the violent moments that have become immortalised in movie history from the films Alien and Robocop.
Everybody remembers pinnacle moments in movies like Robocop and Alien; scenes which are so vividly and palpably violent that they stay embedded in the psyche. Two such cases are discussed here which have emotional, visual and cultural impacts that work on various levels. There are countless classic film moments which are shrouded in violence, and these two are very significant.
In the majority of cases, we share the same joy when shortly before a movie commences on TV, the announcer warns the viewers that the following movie contains violence, colourful language and/or scenes of a sexual nature. It may be crass to assume and lacking in sophistication but usually in terms of the average bone-headed corny action flick especially, these three taboos are likely to raise the enjoyment value. In certain films however, violence is necessary - a vessel for the plot to deliver the impact of its messages.
But what is violence? When sub-categorized, it can occur in many ways both visually and via implied and indirect instances. Violence can be slapstick and tongue in cheek but also shocking, harrowing and wielding true malevolent intent.
Robocop
Many classic cinematic moments and character deaths are underpinned by violence. Take two examples. In Paul Verhoeven’s Robocop (1987) the two deaths in the opening 20 minutes are parodied and referenced many times due to the perfect delivery and notoriety of the violence involved (e.g. Family Guy, “Petarded” episode).
The first sees the cop who becomes Robo, Murphy (played by Peter Weller) shot to pieces by an entourage of criminals all toting shotguns. The blood ensues with chunks blown away as well as a whole arm being severed by gunfire. Not before his left hand is graphically pulped by head honcho Clarence Boddicker (Kurtwood Smith) with his shotgun in a glorious close-up.
Shortly after this the defence robot ED-209 fails to respond in a training exercise carried out in the middle of a boardroom meeting and uses its high-powered machine guns to perforate the innocent volunteer. The gunfire knocks said victim back onto a model of the city in a symbolic demise.
These relentless barrages are what made these scenes infamous and their violence timeless. Some deject Robocop as asinine and vulgar, but in real terms the movie was a response to how deprived, derelict and gritty life had become in the more impoverished areas of major American cities.
Alien
Another scene which always has and always will get people talking is the birthing of the xenomorph creature in Ridley Scott’s Alien (1979). This movie has bags of menacing atmosphere and is draped in a sensation of impending doom and hopelessness, and when crew member Kane (John Hurt) is brought back from the alien nest and is revived as an unforgettable scene unfolds and justifies and climaxes the tense build up of the first half of the movie.
Kane is eating with the rest of the Nostromo crew after his experience with the alien creature in the nest and he begins choking. The rest of the crew come to his aid as the choking seems to get worse. The choking turns into uncontrollable convulsions. After attempted restraint by the others Kane sprawls out on the dining table and it is clear that something is inside his chest trying to get out. As the bulge appears and blood spreads across his shirt, the moment of stunned silence creates a split second of pure fear.
The creature bursts out accompanied by acute sounds of flesh tearing and spraying blood across the face of Ash (Ian Holm) and Lambert (Veronica Cartwright). It sits on Kane’s chest for a moment, before slithering off across the table. What better way to express the callous and violent nature of the alien creature than this classic shocker. Doubtless this scene galvanises Alien’s reputation as “a benchmark of extra-terrestrial horror” (Channel4.com film reviews).
